unknownmagazine

I am constantly in awe of natures raw beauty, whether it be a gorgeous autumn sunset or ravenous storm clouds brewing right before a severe thunderstorm. I find it even more amazing how animals seem to pick up threats of danger and care for their own until whatever circumstances pass.

I volunteer with a service org at a campsite for kids. The location is primarily used for their equestrian events. Kids from all over come care for and interact with horses year round. All the equipment is provided and it's a great opportunity for kids who otherwise might never have that experience. Summers end is nearing and earlier this week they all got together for some 'final' fun before returning to school.

Upon arrival, all of the gated horses were gone. They had just been placed in the arena an hour earlier, and all 15 were absent. Ok, so it's early evening, common thought was the gate had just accidentally been left open and they were ansy to run. Two hours later, all back and gated in but three, and they were in the summer pasture. But the thunder of their hooves and braying as they were rounded up was unreal. Obviously they had been spooked by something. Maybe a predator?

In the middle of the night, the director came down to the other side of the camp to inform everyone the fire department had been contacted....... 40 bales of alfalfa had ignited sometime in the past few hours. He saw the remaining three cantoring back to the others, as their alfalfa went up in smoke.

Thank heavens none were injured, but the last three stayed together until joining up with their group. And they were grazing outside near the gate.

I think animals can sense certain things but what it is I dont know.